Common Sense Parenting: Using Your Head as Well as Your Heart to Raise School-Aged Children

by Ray Burke, Ron Herron

Here's a great guidebook for parents of children ages 6 to 16 facing a myriad of family a teen who's defiant; siblings who constantly bicker; a child having trouble in school, or parents and kids who occupy the same house but don't communicate or have fun together anymore. Common Sense Parenting provides parents with a menu of proven techniques that will aid them in building good family relationships, preventing and correcting misbehavior, using consequences to improve behavior, teaching self-control, and staying calm. The book shows parents how to approach discipline as positive teaching rather than punishment of their children. Encouraging children by recognizing their good behavior and teaching before problems occur are as important as correcting children's negative behavior. Parents also learn how to help children solve problems, reach goals by using charts and contracts, and practice new social skills. As each new parenting technique is introduced, the authors explain each step, provide many clear examples, and give parents an action plan for implementing it in their home. This newly revised and updated book answers parents' commonly asked questions and offers new behavior charts and more helpful information than ever. New chapters include those offering advice on setting reasonable expectations for children, creating predictable family routines that help children feel secure as well as improve their behavior, and putting together a parenting plan using all of the techniques explained in the book. 2006 Winner of The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval

Genres: Parenting

289 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1991

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think that this book provides good advice, it is very vague about the techniques, and I found the dialogue and examples worse than useless (what child, when corrected about misbehavior, doesn't argue and complies immediately?). The examples given all seem to reflect best-case scenarios. That said, there is a solid foundation of positive parenting practices at the heart of the book, and it is a good reminder to use reinforcement, consistency, and skill-teaching in discipline.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like it says, common sense parenting advice. Not everything in here was ground breaking but overall I found it helpful and it made me reflect on our parenting state and gave me some pointers on areas to improve. We even applied a few right away when we had a situation arise that required some corrections (aka negative consequences).

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this class and have read this book over and over. I think every parent should read this. Alot of common sense things that as a parent you don't have the time to think about.

[Hope McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to understand. Great examples on how to apply the advice.